Symptom family: Breastfeeding Conditions
Did you mean? Breast Engorgement Low Milk Supply Mastitis
Explore below more details about what might cause Clogged milk ducts according to TCM.
In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more
Common Symptoms: Bleeding Gums Irritability Bad Breath Dry Mouth Restlessness Constipation Swollen Gums Toothache
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Stomach Heat or Fire | Clogged milk ducts, Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth, Mouth ulcers, Acid reflux, Nausea, Vomiting after eating, Excessive hunger, Bad breath, Feeling of heat, Acne... see more | Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang | Qing Wei San | Xie Huang San | Fei Er Wan | Hua Ban Tang |
Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat | Clogged milk ducts, Toothache, Headaches, Loose teeth, Bleeding gums, Irritability, Thirst, Stomatitis, Periodontitis, Glossitis, Trigeminal neuralgia... see more | Gua Lou San |
Qi Stagnation in TCM is like having a traffic jam in your body's energy system. Qi, the vital life force that flows through your body, is supposed to move smoothly to maintain health and balance. But with Qi Stagnation, this flow gets blocked or slowed down, like cars stuck on a highway. This can lead to symptoms like feeling stressed, emotional mood swings, and physical discomfort, often described as a feeling of fullness or tightness, especially in the chest or abdomen. It's as though the body's internal energy circulation is disrupted, causing various issues. TCM sees this as an energy flow problem, different from modern medicine's focus on specific physiological processes.... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Liver Qi Stagnation | Clogged milk ducts, Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Irregular periods, Globus sensation, Pre menstrual breast distension, Pre menstrual tension, Anxiety, Anger... see more | Xiao Yao San | Jia Wei Xiao Yao San | Yue Ju Wan | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Yi Guan Jian | Gua Lou San |
In TCM the Stomach is regarded as the "sea of nourishment," pivotal for digesting food and transforming it into Qi and blood. It works closely with the Spleen to distribute these essential nutrients throughout the body. When the Stomach is out of balance or malfunctions in TCM, it often leads to digestive problems such as bloating, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, or a feeling of fullness. There may also be issues like acid reflux or a sour taste in the mouth. Emotionally, an imbalanced Stomach can contribute to excessive worry and overthinking, reflecting the TCM belief that physical and emotional well-being are deeply interconnected.... see more
Common Symptoms: Bleeding Gums Irritability Bad Breath Dry Mouth Restlessness Constipation Swollen Gums Toothache
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Stomach Heat or Fire | Clogged milk ducts, Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth, Mouth ulcers, Acid reflux, Nausea, Vomiting after eating, Excessive hunger, Bad breath, Feeling of heat, Acne... see more | Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang | Qing Wei San | Xie Huang San | Fei Er Wan | Hua Ban Tang |
Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat | Clogged milk ducts, Toothache, Headaches, Loose teeth, Bleeding gums, Irritability, Thirst, Stomatitis, Periodontitis, Glossitis, Trigeminal neuralgia... see more | Gua Lou San |
In TCM the Liver is viewed as the organ responsible for the smooth flow of Qi, Blood, and emotions throughout the body. It plays a key role in regulating mood, storing blood, supporting digestion, and ensuring the health of tendons and eyes. When the Liver malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues such as irritability, mood swings, menstrual irregularities, eye problems, and muscular stiffness or pain. A malfunctioning Liver in TCM reflects not only physical disturbances but also emotional and mental disharmony, emphasizing the holistic approach of TCM in addressing health and wellness.... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Liver Qi Stagnation | Clogged milk ducts, Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Irregular periods, Globus sensation, Pre menstrual breast distension, Pre menstrual tension, Anxiety, Anger... see more | Xiao Yao San | Jia Wei Xiao Yao San | Yue Ju Wan | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Yi Guan Jian | Gua Lou San |
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address clogged milk ducts, organized by cause and by formula type.
Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause clogged milk ducts, such as Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat
Learn moreFormula | Patterns Suitable For |
---|---|
Gua Lou San | Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat |
Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang | Stomach Heat or Fire |
Qing Wei San | Stomach Heat or Fire |
Xie Huang San | Stomach Heat or Fire |
Fei Er Wan | Stomach Heat or Fire |
Hua Ban Tang | Stomach Heat or Fire |
Suitable for Qi Stagnation patterns that may cause clogged milk ducts, such as Liver Qi Stagnation
Learn moreFormula | Patterns Suitable For |
---|---|
Gua Lou San | Liver Qi Stagnation |
Xiao Yao San | Liver Qi Stagnation |
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San | Liver Qi Stagnation |
Yue Ju Wan | Liver Qi Stagnation |
Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Liver Qi Stagnation |
Yi Guan Jian | Liver Qi Stagnation |
These formulas are suitable for some clogged milk ducts-causing patterns like Liver Qi Stagnation or Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat.
One such formula is Gua Lou San, with snake gourd as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some clogged milk ducts-causing patterns like Liver Qi Stagnation.
One such formula is Xiao Yao San, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
---|---|
Xiao Yao San | Liver Qi Stagnation |
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San | Liver Qi Stagnation |
These formulas are suitable for some clogged milk ducts-causing patterns like Liver Qi Stagnation.
One such formula is Yue Ju Wan, with black atractylodes rhizome as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
---|---|
Yue Ju Wan | Liver Qi Stagnation |
Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Liver Qi Stagnation |
These formulas are suitable for some clogged milk ducts-causing patterns like Stomach Heat or Fire.
One such formula is Qing Wei San, with goldthread rhizome as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
---|---|
Qing Wei San | Stomach Heat or Fire |
Xie Huang San | Stomach Heat or Fire |
These formulas are suitable for some clogged milk ducts-causing patterns like Liver Qi Stagnation.
One such formula is Yi Guan Jian
These formulas are suitable for some clogged milk ducts-causing patterns like Blow Breast (Chui Ru).
One such formula is Tuo Li Xiao Du San, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some clogged milk ducts-causing patterns like Stomach Heat or Fire.
One such formula is Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang, with rhubarb as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some clogged milk ducts-causing patterns like Stomach Heat or Fire.
One such formula is Fei Er Wan, with quisqualis fruit as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some clogged milk ducts-causing patterns like Stomach Heat or Fire.
One such formula is Hua Ban Tang, with gypsum as a key herb.
Explore below some acupoints used to address clogged milk ducts, organized by meridian.
Midway between Dazhui DU-14 and the lateral extremity of the acromion, at the highest point of the shoulder.
In the 5nd intercostal space, on the mammillary line, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
2 cun lateral to the nipple, in the 4th intercostal space.
6 cun above the umbilicus and 2 cun below the sternocostal angle, 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline.